Pastor Roger J. Crout

Turin- Pastor Roger J. Crout, 66, the current pastor of the South Lewis Parish of United Methodist Churches and husband of Linda, passed away at his residence, on Monday, February 22, 2016, after a short illness, while surrounded by the loving care of his wife and family. He was born in Elmira, on November 6, 1949, a son of Norman and Patricia Church Crout; he grew up in Spencer, NY, in Tioga County, graduating from Spencer Central High School, with the Class of 1967. Beginning in November, 1970, Mr. Crout served his country in the U.S. Army, in Viet Nam. In July, 1972, he was honorably discharged with the rank of SP4. In April, 1972, Roger received The Army Commendation Medal which was awarded for outstanding performance of duty while serving with the 76th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company, from February 1971-May 1972. Mr. Crout continued his service in the US Army reserves until November, 1976. Mr. Crout furthered his education by completing technical and educational requirements and a two year apprenticeship, from Gleason Works, Rochester, to become a Machinist and he also completed his studies at Rochester Institute of Technology, becoming a Journeyman in the trade of Tool & Die Maker. In 1981, Mr. Crout graduated from Monroe Community College, Rochester, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science. In 1981, he relocated to Forestport, where he lived for many years and was employed as head chef at the Buffalo Head Restaurant. Later he owned a delivery route for Freihofer Bakery Co., before managing the Nice & Easy Grocery Shops in Boonville and also in Constableville. On December 6, 1992, Roger was united in marriage with Linda L. Kerber, in Lyons Falls. For many years the couple lived on the Flinttown Road, near Ava, moving to their current home on East Main St. in Turin, in November, 2015. In 2006, Mr. Crout realized his calling to the ministry in the United Methodist Church; at that time he began his pastoral studies at the Buffalo Extension of Wesley Theological Seminary. In 2011 he was appointed Assistant Pastor, ministering with Rev. Bellie Jean Melton, in the South Lewis Parish of United Methodist Churches, serving at Constableville, Turin, Glenfield and Greig. Upon the retirement of Rev. Melton, pastor Crout became the head pastor of his charge. Mr. Crout was involved in the Relay for Life and had served in the New Creation Ministries cluster of Northern New York United Methodist Churches. He was a member and current chaplain of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Boonville. Roger greatly enjoyed playing golf. In addition to his wife, Linda, Roger is survived by a step son, Travis Kerber, at home, one daughter, Kimberly Beth and one son, Roger, Jr; a sister, Lorraine Walters. Norwich, NY; two step brothers, Seven Crout, and David Crout, and wife, Kim, Florida and a cousin, Patricia Parker, Lowville, and other cousins, friends and his large church family, who felt great affection for Roger. His Funeral Service will be Thursday at 12 Noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. David Kessler, a friend and former pastor of the South Lewis Parish will officiate. A spring interment with Military Honors from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League will be in Ava Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday 4-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to his family, C/O P.O Box 9 Turin, NY 13473.